Beer Talk

Dreadnaught Imperial IPA

Published March 2004, Volume 25, Number 1

Three Floyds Brewing Co.
Munster, IN

Available: IN, IL, MD, OH, VA, PA

Originally, India pale ales were brewed with higher alcohol and hopping rates to last the long journey from Britain to India. So-called “double” or “Imperial” IPAs are an emerging style from American breweries, even bigger in alcohol and bitterness. Dreadnaught is brewed with English and American malts and hopped with a combination of American aroma hops, Centennial being the standout.

Alcohol (wt.): 7.6
Alcohol (vol.): 9.5
Color: 7.5
Bitterness: 90-100
Gravity: 1090

  • Charles Finkel

    “It’s not normal,” says the psychedelic label. Who could argue with the three Floyds? Normal or not, their Dreadnaught is delightful, with a buxom deep amber color, contrasting head and a nose that would make Pinocchio jealous. The mouthfeel is sensual, big and erotic, with an extraordinary malt/hop balance of whiskey-laced fruitcake. With all that flavor, the Floyd’s finishes with finesse. Excellent with lusty foods such as osso buco, Oklahoma barbeque, or a big raw milk cheese like Pont l’Eveque.

  • Charlie Papazian

    WOWWWWW! Hops in the aroma. Hops in the flavor and Hops in my head! I am in the September fields of Yakima! This is not a beer. It is an experience! If you like hops, you must seek this beer. Full flavored, full strength, full of hops and enchanting dreams. A palate-pleaser for hopheads. This is not a beer for wusses. Excuse me while I swallow.

  • Roger Protz

    Finest “new age” IPA I have tasted for some time. Pale copper color, with a superb aroma of sappy malt, hop resins and bitter orange fruit on the nose. Tart and intensely bitter hops dominate the palate, balanced by juicy malt and citrus fruit. Fruit, malt and hops combine in a long finish that becomes increasingly bitter with a quinine-like note. Superb with meats, roasted vegetables or blue cheese.

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